The Importance of Home Medical Supplies and Love for Elderly Care

Let´s face it; growing old is tough. It is tough for the person and tough for the caretakers. Depending on factors like quality of life, genetics, and others, the person growing old might suffer or not from dozens of medical conditions that could make the situation even more difficult. There are two types of home medical supplies: the durable medical equipment and the disposable medical supplies. The durable medical equipment involve all those devices that will be reused for longer periods of time such as mobility aids, personal care aids, prostheses, orthopedic supplies, oxygen concentrators and many others. The disposable medical supplies are all those that are used one time and then they are thrown away. Among many, these include diapers, catheters, bandages, protective gloves and even blood sugar test strips for diabetic elderly patients. Besides having all these handy when needed, the two most important ingredients to elderly care are Love and Willingness to give your loved one the best care possible.

In the next 25 years, the American seniors’ population is presumed to double in accordance to facts presented by the National Institute of Aging. This situation will have a direct effect on the demand of home medical supplies needed by caretakers or families who are dedicated to take care of an elderly love one. Further facts have even projected that for the upcoming 20 years, about 10,000 baby boomers will celebrate their 65 birthday on a daily basis. The cost of elderly care is without a doubt one of the most expensive ones and having the necessary home medical supplies is necessary. For this reason, many people around the world resort to buying all they need at a medical supply store online as it results easier, faster and cheaper. Everything you need to care for your loved one can be found at medical online stores like Discount Medical Supplies.

If we take our memories back in time, we will see pictures where our elderly loved ones from today are taking care of us. We see them as young adults and ourselves as children. We remember how they handled all our medical needs and even more. They helped us tie our shoes; give us a bath, brush our teeth and they would always hold our hands when going up or down the steps to prevent us from falling. Today the tables have turned and it is our turn to return all that love and care we received back then. So besides always being there to help them move around, remind them to take their medication, keep them entertained, help them get dressed and especially love them among other tasks, it is the caretakers' responsibility to stock up with all the home medical supplies needed to handle anything from a tiny open wound to more complicated health issues.

The proper mobility aid is one of the first concerns a caretaker must have in mind. Elderly people are susceptible to falls and severe fractures. Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, rollators, or wheelchairs are extremely important to provide extra support and stability when moving around. Handles, bars and special toilet and tub seats can also come in handy.

One of the things we must be ready for when caring for a senior citizen is the unfortunate possibility of a cut or an abrasion. As their skin is frail and thin, they are prone to being cut easily. With the correct home medical supplies the wounds must be cleaned as soon as possible because they are much more vulnerable to infections. Stopping the bleeding is a priority and that is why you can never have enough bandages and gauze available. A complete first aid kit is something that every household must have in any situation and this would not be the exception.

Many senior citizens have special conditions such as diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's disease, dementia among others. It is important that a caretaker understands everything about the condition. Learning about the symptoms will lead to more understanding towards the patient and learning about the treatment will give a better knowledge as to what is the best way to react toward specific situation involving the condition. A specific example would be learning how to control and monitor the sugar levels on a patient to avoid them going into a diabetic shock. It is necessary for a caretaker to understand how to use the different diabetic supplies and accessories and how to quickly react towards a diabetic shock. Bottom line: Do your research!

These are only a few points that revolve around senior citizen home care. There is so much more to it in regards to the physical aspect that would make this reading endless. However pointing out the fact that the emotional aspect is as important as the physical one cannot go un-mentioned. Our elderly loved ones need to feel loved and important. No matter how tiring the job gets, we must never make them feel like a burden. Show them love them to their last breath as you owe them your generation and your children's as well.